Protected sectors

What's the story here?

The Saltee Islands of Great and Little Saltee are situated approximately 4 miles off the coast of Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. They are privately owned but have been largely unoccupied since the early 20th century. Great Saltee Island lies about 3¼ miles from Kilmore Quay, has an area of about 87ha (215 acres) and is wedge-shaped. The island ascends from a low shore on its northern mainland side to 20- to 30-metre-high cliffs on its southeastern side. The southern summit rises to an altitude of 58 metres, its highest point.

The Saltees are a haven for an impressive array of seabirds, from gannets and gulls to puffins and Manx shearwaters. The islands also lie on an important migratory route and are a popular stopping-off place for spring and autumn migrants. In addition to its birdlife, Great Saltee has a breeding population of grey seals, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 are present in autumn and as many as 20 pups are born here annually. All of this combines to make it a Special Area of Conservation and a very popular destination for day-trippers and birdwatchers alike.

Gilert Bay is the smaller of the two bays tucked in to the south side of the island. It offers an alternative to the larger Georgina’s Bay.

How to get in?

Offshore details are available in southeastern Ireland’s coastal overview for Rosslare Harbour to Cork Harbour and the adjacent Georgina’s Bay entry provides approach directions for the south side of Great Saltee Island. Those planning to cruise this area should study the ‘Additional notes for the Saltee Islands’ set out in the Rosslare Harbour to Cork Harbour . A sharp lookout should always be kept for lobster pots in and around the Kilmore Quay area.




From the initial fix or in clear water due south of the described anchoring position, approach the anchorage on a 000° track, maintaining a sharp lookout to starboard for the ‘Sunken Rock of Makeston’. This is the key rock to locate upon entry as it marks the eastern side of Gilert Bay. It lies 200 metres to the southwest, bearing from 210° T, of Makeston Rock.




Once this has been located, keep the visible pinnacle rocks that separate Gilert Bay from Georgina’s Bay to port and enter the small bay.




Once securely within the bay, anchor in sand according to draught and conditions. The head of the bay, depending on the previous month’s heavy weather conditions, may offer either a sand or shingle beach to land upon at low water.

Why visit here?

This is another lovely, secluded place on the back of Great Saltee Island, where a vessel can enjoy a peaceful repose or land a dinghy and let the family loose to swim and explore. Visitors will most likely have this hidden bay to themselves, along with its wonderful wealth of wildlife.




It also offers an alternative to neighbouring Georgina’s Bay, which may get busy on a settled sunny sailing season day. Like the larger Georgina’s Bay, Gilert Bay is an excellent place to drop the hook, sit back in the cockpit and enjoy the wealth of the Saltee’s hallmark birdlife.




Late season visitors, in and about September time, will find this bay hosts up to half a dozen seal pups upon the small beach at the head of cut. They prefer Gilert Bay as the older seals tend to stay on a shelf behind Makeston Rock.




The single point to note about the island’s southern anchorages is that the cliffs are steep here. Although it is possible to alight upon their enclosed beaches at low water, it is not possible to get up to and explore the island from either of these anchorages. The main landing beach, on the north side of the island, should be used for those who wish to come ashore and explore.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities on the Saltee Islands. Immediately ashore, Kilmore Quay has all facilities.

Any security concerns?

Security issues are unheard of on the Saltee Islands. In fact, if anything the reverse is more likely to be encountered. Local boatmen are very welcoming and you can take it that they will by good nature keep an eye on the welfare of your vessel, should she drag whilst you are ashore, and be ready to assist you.

With thanks to:

Burke Corbett, Gusserane, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Photography with thanks to Burke Corbett, Kevin Higgins, John Finn and Michael Harpur.